Summer position battles: NFC North

The fourth of eight division-by-division looks at the key position battles for each NFL team heading into training camps.

It's time for the Packers' Javon Walker to move past Donald Driver on the chart. (Getty Images)

Chicago Bears

Justin Gage vs. David Terrell

Gage came on strong as a rookie last season, and has the team excited about his play. He had a 100-yard game against Arizona in late November on four catches. He doesn't run as well as those numbers suggest, but he found a way to make plays down the field. In the new offense under coach Lovie Smith, Gage should be even more effective. David Terrell has been a major disappointment after being a first-round pick in 2001. He had his best season in 2002, catching 43 passes, but he averaged only 8.4 per catch. That's not what the Bears hoped he'd bring. Maybe the change of offense will help him, and he's been committed this offseason to being a better player. He has the tools, but if he doesn't do it this year, the word flop will go next to his name.

Edge: Terrell. He's been around longer, even if both players are learning a new system.

Opening-day starter: Terrell. You'll be surprised how different he looks.

Detroit Lions

Roy Williams vs. Tai Streets

Streets was signed as an unrestricted free agent, and he knows the system well having played for coach Steve Mariucci in San Francisco. Streets is a tall, angular receiver who runs good routes but doesn't have that burning speed. He caught 47 passes last season after catching 72 the year before. Williams, the team's top pick in April, is a tall receiver who can run. The Lions hope that he will pair with Charles Rogers to form an explosive duo. How quick he picks up the system will be key.

Edge: Streets, only because he knows the system.

Opening-day starter: Williams. There's no way talent like his won't be in the starting lineup.

Green Bay Packers

Donald Driver vs. Javon Walker

After a big season in 2002, when he caught 72 passes for 1,064 yards, Driver tailed off last season. He caught 52 passes for 621 yards, and his touchdown catches were down from nine to two. That's why there is a lot of talk that Walker will take his job this season. A tall receiver with a long stride, Walker averaged 17.5 yards on his 41 catches last season. His best game came in December against Oakland when he caught four passes for 124 yards and two touchdowns. That's big-play ability.

Edge: Walker. The Packers want him to be their deep threat and he runs better than Driver.

Opening-day starter: Walker. Now in his third season, it's his time.

Minnesota Vikings

Michael Bennett vs. Onterrio Smith

When Bennett was hurt last year, Smith came on strong as a rookie, showing power and speed. Bennett is healthy again, so this will be an interesting competition. Bennett has explosive speed, which coordinator Scott Linehan loves, but doesn't have the power that Smith showed. Bennett can, however, rip off those 90-yard runs that are key in the Minnesota offense, which employs a lot of spread formations.

Edge: Bennett. He'll get the first shot to keep coming off the injury.

Opening-day starter: Bennett. But if he struggles, it won't be long until they go to Smith.